US President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, is planning a trip to Israel this month after the formation of the new government headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a White House official told Reuters on Monday.
Dates for Sullivan's meetings have not been set yet, said the administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Earlier on Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to congratulate him on his appointment and underscore the United States’ abiding commitment to the US-Israel partnership and to Israel’s security.
Blinken discussed continued US efforts to advance mutual interests such as Israel’s further regional integration, address shared challenges including Iran threat, and promote the values that have been at the heart of the bilateral relationship for decades.
The Secretary of State emphasized the continued US commitment to a two-state solution and opposition to policies that endanger its viability.
Blinken said in a statement last week, after the new government was sworn it, “I look forward to working with the new Israeli government to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the region, and to advance the interests and values that have been at the heart of our relationship for decades.”
“The deep bonds between the United States and Israel have long been based upon an unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and certain shared ideals, including democratic principles and a vision of Israel at peace with its neighbors,” he added.
President Joe Biden also said last week that he looked forward to working with Netanyahu, who he called "my friend for decades," and committed "to support the two-state solution and to oppose policies that endanger its viability or contradict our mutual interests and values."
US officials have reportedly expressed concerns over Netanyahu’s coalition partners, particularly the Religious Zionist and Otzma Yehudit parties.
Axios reported last week that several US Jewish leaders, during a meeting with Israeli officials in early December, warned that racist and extremist moves by the new Israeli government could seriously hamper support for Israel among Jews in the US.